I don't have the numbers to make a case, but I bet you can get several Diesel electric boats for the price of one nuke boomer. I agree that they don't have the range or the sustainability of a nuke. However, for coastal duty on a regular rotation I would think they would be viable. Again, and as Salmo g said, I don't have the $ data to make a valid judgement. I wonder how much of the negative decision is political rather than tactical.
And what's the scoop on the permag electric motors they are talking about for the DD s. Would they be applicable to the diesel electrics.